BISHKEK, January 30. /TASS/. Russia’s natural gas monopoly Gazprom will take up the strategic project of gas distribution network development throughout the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. The republic’s authorities announced on Friday that the Russian company would be given the most favored treatment in its operation. Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers instructed his permanent representative in the regions to provide every kind of assistance to Gazprom in regional gas distribution network development.

"These issues must be addressed urgently," said the prime minister. "All government agencies should provide assistance to Gazprom in the implementation of this large-scale project."

Otorbaev said he would sign a decree on Friday on the national gas infrastructure development program, which runs until 2030. The project envisages installation of gas supply services to 411 populated localities of the republic.

Gazprom bought a controlling stake in Kyrgyzstan’s natural gas company Kirgizgaz last spring. The Russian company expressed its willingness to invest about 20 billion rubles ($290 million) in the country’s gas infrastructure development.